ISRO vs SC/ST Budget Growth
A focused look at how two public expenditure heads diverged over a 12-year window, using the same units for a direct read.
Headline takeaway
SC/ST outpaced ISRO by 2.42x in growth multiple.
ISRO Growth
27.3%
1.27x since 2014
SC/ST Growth
208.2%
3.08x since 2014
- SC/ST budget grew 208.2% (3.08x) from 2014 to 2026, versus ISRO's 27.3% (1.27x) — a 2.42x difference in growth multiple.
- In absolute terms, SC/ST spending added $24.25B versus $0.30B for ISRO, widening the gap from a 10.6x ratio to 25.6x by 2026.
- The SC/ST CAGR of 9.8%/yr far outpaced ISRO's 2.0%/yr over the 12-year window, reflecting a deliberate shift toward social welfare spending.
2014
USD billions, nominal
ISRO
$1.10B
SC/ST
$11.65B
2026
USD billions, nominal
ISRO
$1.40B
SC/ST
$35.90B
Values shown as supplied; nominal USD, unadjusted for inflation. Convert from INR allocations using the prevailing year's RBI reference rate.
CAGR: 2.0% per year
CAGR: 9.8% per year
Gap widened by 15.1x over 12 years.
The SC/ST allocation grew more than three times over the period, while ISRO grew just over a quarter. This shifts the balance of these two heads substantially in favor of social welfare allocation.
In 2014, SC/ST spending was roughly 10.6x the size of ISRO. By 2026, the ratio expands to 25.6x.
The growth gap is not just percentage-based: the absolute increase in SC/ST allocation is$24.25B versus $0.30B for ISRO.
Budget prioritization shifted visibly
The SC/ST budget accelerated both in percent and absolute terms, emphasizing redistribution and social programs.
ISRO growth stayed incremental
ISRO saw modest expansion, with funding rising by about 27.3% over the window.
Gap widened substantially
The SC/ST-to-ISRO ratio grew by 15.1x, making the difference more pronounced in 2026.